Why are young people leaving the islands?

Maisie Roberts and her boyfriend Bertie Kinnings started a restaurant recommendation app in London

Jersey's chief minister has said the number of young people leaving the Channel Islands to live and work elsewhere was one of the "greatest challenges" facing decision-makers.

According to the Government of Jersey, the population of people aged 20-29 has been decreasing over the past five years, down from 12,080 in 2017 to 10,990 in 2023.

Guernsey census data showed there were 7,212 people aged 20-29 in the island in March 2023, down on the 7,590 recorded in 2018.

Maisie Roberts, 22, has fond memories of growing up in Jersey but opportunities off the island beckoned for her and so she moved away.

"Jersey is very focused on the financial sector and this was something I didn't see myself going into," she said.

"I'm very creative and I love design, so I thought there were a lot more opportunities for what I wanted to do in London."

It is young adults like Ms Roberts the governments of Jersey and Guernsey are hoping to lure back to help reverse a declining population of 20 to 29-year-olds.

Miss Roberts started a London-based restaurant recommendation app called Scran with her boyfriend after leaving university.

She said many of her friends who were still living in Jersey were working in the finance sector.

"In terms of other things, like if you want to start your own business, or if you want to go into the creative industry, I personally feel like more work could be done in that area to try and keep people within," she said.

"I can see why so many people are moving away," said Beth Rainbow

For others, the desire to fly the nest is a major factor.

Jersey accountant Beth Rainbow, 28, said simply wanting to "experience life in a different city" drew her to the UK capital about three years ago.

"It came out of the choice of wanting to grow and seeing what is outside of Jersey and experience life in a different place," she said.

"It was just the natural next step for me."

Asked whether she would return to the island, she said: "In my mind I would love to come back home.

"But I think it's the expense thing.

"Jersey is obviously very expensive to buy a property to stay [and] the cost of living compared to some places in the UK.

"I can see why so many people are moving away."

Speaking in the States, Jersey's chief minister Lyndon Farnham acknowledged housing affordability was one of the biggest problems and it was vital "young people not only see a future for themselves in Jersey but can afford to build that future here".

He said: "We are continuing to increase the supply of affordable family homes, releasing more land for development and redevelopment, and expanding schemes that help young islanders take their first step on the property ladder."

Eleanor Wallis, 25, said she came to enjoy the opportunities in London

Eleanor Wallis, 25, who moved from Guernsey at 18 for university, said she came to enjoy the variety of opportunities in London.

"As someone who is interested in travel and other cultures, I decided that the next best place would be London, as a multicultural city with opportunities in international companies, where I could perhaps travel or move in the future," she said.

"Whilst I still like visiting Guernsey, I've come to enjoy the options afforded by a large city and many of my friends are now also living in or around London."

Chloe Price moved back to Guernsey to be closer to family

Chloe Price, 25, who moved to the UK from Guernsey, said cheaper rents off the island were a "huge benefit".

Ultimately, however, she said she was drawn back by her family.

"We moved back home because we missed seeing our family so often and the cost of flying back to see them was a big expense," she said.

"In Guernsey, everything is within closer proximity - it's much easier to achieve a work/life balance here."

Jersey deputy Karen Wilson said it was important young people had the chance to "get off the island to explore other cultures and to have different experiences".

However, she added it was equally important the island "help people value what we have here".

Miss Roberts said the quieter life offered in Jersey ultimately might be what helps draw her back.

"I love being by water and when I'm in London, I do really miss looking out to the sea," she said.

"I think it's good to explore the opportunities, but maybe in the future.

"It's obviously a great place to come back to and raise a family."